Ok I'm back! And with an extra long chapter for you guys! Shran finally meets Soval!
Reviewers: Just to clarify I don't have any plans for Shran and T'Pol to marry… although I may change my mind ;) You never know! Also, gammara and Blackn'blue, I'm glad you both enjoy my work and I appreciate both of your opinions, and I understand where you're both coming from I do. I won't say anymore, just in case I end up giving away some plot point or other, but thank you both for your reviews, and I will assure you I've been thinking carefully about all the details (I think ;)). I hope you both (indeed I hope all the people reading my fics) continue to enjoy my writing. Thanks for the reviews! Now gimme more! Lol!
Chapter 4
"Another late night?" Archer asked over breakfast.
"Yes, Soval was unable to sleep. Thankfully Trip was able to sooth him by means of the… jiggle." Archer grinned at the strange word coming from T'Pol's mouth.
"That's good." He would have said more if the comm. hadn't gone off.
"Bridge to captain Archer!"
"Go ahead."
"Commander Shran is requesting to come aboard. Shall I transport him?" It took him a second to recover and then he answered
"Yes, I'll be there in a minute." he closed the comm. channel and looked at T'Pol who looked at Soval who sat in his high chair and drooled. "Where will I bring him?"
"I believe sickbay is the most appropriate place. I will take Soval there and meet you."
"Fair enough." They both left and T'Pol got out of the lift at the level sickbay was located on and Archer went down one further. He walked to the transporter and as he stopped in front of it he order the crewman waiting to energise. The crewman obeyed and Shran materialised on the platform, dressed in casual clothes. They consisted of a sea green loose wrap around shirt that tied off at the side and the sleeves had stiff cuffs on them and black trousers and the same boots as he usually wore. A jacket over this kept out the cold. It was strange to see him out of uniform, but Archer preferred this to catching him in his pyjamas.
"Morning Shran." he greeted, holding his hand out. The Andorian shook it, gripping his hand tightly to the point of being painful.
"Pink-skin. I hope you had a better night's sleep than I did."
"I slept well, thanks. This way."
"Where're we heading?"
"Sickbay. T'Pol thought that would be the best place. Don't ask me why."
"She has the child with her."
"Yes." Archer slowed his movements down a second, "Are you ok? You look a little anxious." Shran turned and looked at him.
"It's not everyday you are told you have a child that is half the blood of those you once hated the most, in fact on Andoria it should be impossible to have a child without consent and knowledge, among other things required." Archer had to admit that had been a fairly dumb question to ask.
"True I guess. But are you ok?"
"Let me see the child first, and then you'll have your answer." Shran answered cryptically. Archer nodded and extended his arm out and they both walked to the lift that took them up one level and then they walked side by side to sickbay. Archer opened the doors and they were hit by screaming. Shran's antennas drooped slightly, although his face didn't change. Archer fought a sigh at the scene that greeted them.
T'Pol was rocking Soval in her arms, while Phlox scanned him.
"What's wrong?" Archer asked as he stepped inside. Shran felt a little unsure and hung back, watching.
"I don't think there is anything wrong. I don't know enough about Andorian infants to be sure." Phlox sighed as he lowered the device.
"Maybe he's too warm." Shran offered stepped forward. "I've always found Enterprise to be too warm for me. Maybe he finds it the same." He stepped closer and stared at the baby, head cocked to the side, thinking of what might be wrong. T'Pol hesitated and then held Soval out to him.
"Perhaps you can sooth him." Shran looked up at her briefly, then took Soval into his arms. He settled him in his grip and looked him over, feeling shock as he held him. This boy looked just like his brother Trenach, it was unbelievable. He looked him over and then shook his head, instantly knowing what was wrong. He hadn't minded fifteen children from birth to present for nothing.
"He's feeling restricted."
"Do you what you have to." T'Pol said. Shran looked up at her and nodded. He strode over to the nearest biobed and lay the baby down. Then he proceeded to remove the offending clothing, until Soval was only in his nappy. This seemed to help because the cries quieted, although they didn't disappear. Shran carefully turned the baby onto his stomach, a much more comfortable position for a baby considering how awkward the Andorian prominent back-ridge was at times. He then lightly rubbed his index finger up over the back ridge. Soval instantly stopped crying and made a soft gurgling noise that Shran knew meant he liked it.
"There we go." he said softly to the baby, rubbing his back. "That's better isn't it?" he lifted him up and held him in his hands, once more looking him over. The baby didn't have his eyes that he'd inherited from his father, like his siblings. His eyes were definitely T'Pol's. His skin was a delicate aquamarine, his two antennas stretched and twitched curiously as his eyes looked Shran over inquisitively. Sandy hair crowned his head, and fell slightly over a single, soft forehead ridge. Ten fingers, ten toes. In a word. Perfect. He was thankful that his back was to the others, because he had the stupidest grin on his face at the moment. Nestling Soval in the crook of one arm, he held one of the tiny arms. The skin felt soft and smooth under his rough fingertips. Soval stared at him carefully, and then slowly smiled, his antennas stretching forwards. Shran's moved forwards too, and he closed his eyes, tentatively listening and looking for the telepathic fingertips that wanted to touch his mind and stay fixed there.
'Time, give it time my son.' He blinked as he realised what he'd just said. My son. 'Oh. Holy. Spirits! I have a child!' He felt a little dizzy, but managed to stay still, eyes fixed on the baby in his arms.
"It would appear he favours you." T'Pol's voice shattered the moment between them. He fought a feeling of irritation and turned around.
"He looks like my brother, Trenach, except for his eyes." He looked up and met T'Pol's gaze. "Definitely got your eyes."
"Thank you." she nodded, clearly surprised.
"It's a little strange, all of my nieces and nephews have the eyes my brothers and sisters and I got from our father." Suddenly Soval's hand grabbed onto his shirt and the baby pulled himself up, reaching out with his other hand and gripping the shirt as well. He buried his face into Shran's chest and then yawned, closing his eyes and falling asleep. Shran chuckled as he dropped his arms, which made all three of the others jump, although Soval didn't fall.
"Warn a person!" muttered Archer as he relaxed, realising there was no danger. Shran grinned widely in amusement.
"Sorry pink-skin, I'm just used to this."
"Fascinating." Phlox said eagerly, "I take it this is a trait all Andorians possess." He stepped forward, curious, a large smile on his face that unnerved Shran a little.
"Yes, from birth we can support our own weight, in order to free our carriers' hands. When we are adults we can support double that. If I wanted to, and I don't, I could climb up the cliffs with pink-skin on my back."
"Erm, no thanks." Archer muttered, embarrassed.
"Didn't I just say I wasn't going to?" Shran smirked, absentmindedly rubbing Soval's back. A silence fell between them all, and after a moment Phlox said
"Well, we'll leave you three to talk." Shran realised he was talking about himself and T'Pol. Archer and the doctor both walked out and left them alone. They looked at each other and then away, both glancing around the room. Shran cleared his throat lightly, but said nothing. T'Pol drew in a breath and then folded her arms. Neither wanted to be the first to speak, but finally Shran did.
"What's his full name?" T'Pol met his gaze,
"Soval Trenach T'Pol Shran."
"A mouthful." Shran chuckled, "But it suits him."
"Agreed." Soval shifted and then, still asleep, he clambered up Shran's chest a little higher, so that his antennas just brushed under Shran's chin. Shran chuckled, mostly because it tickled a little. "He has never done that before."
"Well, if you kept him wrapped in a blanket all the time he wouldn't be able to." the Andorian pointed out.
"That is logical." Shran fought not to roll his eyes.
"So… has he been crying like that a lot?"
"Almost constantly." It showed on both of them, T'Pol looked exhausted and Soval seemed moody. "It can be trying."
"Ah, babies sometimes just need to cry. Besides, I told you, he's probably over straining himself with searching for a bond."
"Can you sense such a thing? I cannot."
"Yes, I can sense it, but I'm probably more open to him," 'Though not by much.' "You're so closed off with all your mental barriers that he's probably screaming at you to let him in." She seemed taken aback.
"I had not realised."
"You couldn't have known, this is all Andorian stuff. I don't know much about Vulcan issues."
"This is true." This time Shran did roll his eyes. He raised his hand and gently pressed it against Soval's back, his thumb smoothing over the back ridge. Soval yawned and opened his eyes, raising his head to look around him.
"Well hello." Shran grinned when the brown eyes met his own, "That was a short sleep." Soval made a babbling noise and reached out with one free hand for Shran's face. He chuckled and caught the hand, sighing softly at the feel of the baby's emotions through the contact.
"He seems more content with you than me."
"That's normal enough I think. Andorian babies generally are more affectionate to their fathers than mothers because it's the fathers who raise them."
"The mother's have no participation?"
"No, no. They do, but it's the father who has the larger hand in it. I know in most species it's the mother, but not with us. What about Vulcans?"
"Both parents take equal participation in theory, although sometimes one has a longer working day or is away doing work, so that one parent has a larger hand in the raising of children in practise."
"Sounds familiar." Shran muttered, then grimaced when he realised he'd spoken out loud. T'Pol arched an eyebrow at him questioningly. He shrugged, "My father was in the Imperial Guard, so he was away a lot, and my mother was in charge of the medical facility in the city, so really she was the one who raised us, although personally I think my brother had a larger hand in it than she did with me."
"Your mother was a scientist?"
"One of the best." he smiled, "Although she definitely didn't pass it on to me. I only graduated with a near failure in science because I took up an extra language, although I suppose it came in handy in the end." At her confused look he explained, "I took up higher Vulcan. It was useful in the Imperial Guard."
"Higher Vulcan?"
"Yes, standard Vulcan was a mandatory part of school, along with Tellerite, and Orion, and two more to have the minimum five alien languages perfect by the time you finish higher school, before you moved on to career school."
"Why Vulcan and Tellerite, and for that matter Orion? You were enemies of all and are still enemies with the Orions." Shran bit the inside of his mouth lightly before answering, a tad sheepishly,
"We have a saying, 'To know all your enemy knows, is to come many steps closer to defeating him'. Language is included in that. Although nowadays your language and Tellerite are taught to promote peace." He rolled his eyes, "It's fascinating how politics can do about faces like that isn't it?"
"Indeed." she agreed dryly, and for a split second he could have sworn her lips twitched in a smile. "How many languages can you speak now?"
"Uh…" Shran did a quick mental count, "Eleven alien languages in total, including Andorian standard, but not any other Andorian languages. I can speak two of them."
"Impressive." He shrugged,
"Thanks. But I've got a knack for languages, it's supposed to be because I've got a good ear."
"I find it difficult to pick up languages with ease, although I am fluent in three. Vulcan, English-"
"That's Human standard isn't it?"
"Yes. I'm also fluent in Higher Vulcan myself."
"It's a difficult language isn't it?"
"It can be trying." she agreed.
"And Human can be awkward at times, the words are tricky sometimes."
"I suppose I am used to it now." T'Pol admitted, and Shran nodded. This conversation was fairly pointless, but they both knew it was helping them both to become more comfortable in each other's presence.
"Klingon's the worst though, if I speak it too long I get a sore throat."
"Where did you learn Klingon?"
"That's a really, really long story." Soval let out a sharp noise and Shran grabbed him as he kicked his legs out, apparently very excited all of a sudden. Shran and T'Pol shared a look as he babbled in baby language and kicked his legs out delightedly. Shran held him out slightly to avoid another kick from the sharp heel, and smiled widely in amusement as Soval flapped his arms as well. He looked like he was trying to fly. T'Pol regarded him with surprise, and Shran was sure he saw a flicker of amusement in her eyes, although it was gone before he could be absolutely positive. "What's gotten into you son?" he asked, laughter in his voice. T'Pol looked up at him in surprise. "What?"
"You called him son." she stated,
"Well he is isn't he?"
"Yes, however I did not know how you would take this."
"I'm shocked, I'm confused but I'm sure of that regardless of however or whatever brought him here, that he is my son. Look." He lay Soval on the biobed and beckoned her over. He pointed at Soval's left hip. "See that." She did, inspecting the small, dark blue mark on the skin that stood out against the aquamarine skin. "I've got the same birth mark on my right hip. Since there's no way you could have known about it, then there's no chance that this is a trick, and regardless of the fact that I did not have a hand in creating him as neither did you, I can't help but care for him like he was my son. He is mine. I'm going to have a hell of a time explaining this to my government, never mind my friends and family, but I'm going to claim him as my son."
"I am pleased." she told him, straightening up, "I was concerned you would not want anything to do with him."
"He's a child T'Pol, I'm an Andorian. He could be the son of an Orion for all I care. We don't hold prejudice against children, that's unfair. They have no say in the politics of planets. They are innocent."
"I did not realise that your people held that belief." she admitted,
"Children are a sacred blessing to us, regardless of species. When we speak of a species, never mind if they are allies or enemies, we refer only to the adults."
"That does seem logical. Children do not have a say of war and peace and the mediums between them."
"Exactly." Shran smiled at her slightly as he scooped Soval into his arms again. He then sat on the bed and sat Soval on his lap. Soval clapped his hands, seemingly delighted with the sound he was making.
"He's never been so active."
"Maybe he knows who we are, and is happy that we are not arguing. I know pink-skin will be."
"The captain does seem to find our mistrust irritating." Shran snorted,
"That's putting it mildly. Although I think he can be bigheaded when he wants to be."
"Bigheaded?"
"Do you remember when we were fighting that Romulan ship? And Gral and I were arguing non-stop."
"Vividly." she quipped. He narrowed his eyes at her and then continued,
"Well pink-skin told us to start acting like humans. I can tell you I nearly punched him, would have if it wouldn't have meant I got stuck in the brig."
"I have to admit that was quite presumptuous of him."
"No argument from me."
"For once."
"Was that a joke?"
"A statement."
"It was a joke."
"Vulcans don't joke."
"Sure, you've just got a wicked sarcastic streak." Shran smirked. T'Pol quirked her eyebrow at him as if in agreement, although she said nothing. "Ofh!" Shran grunted as Soval gave him a hard punch in the stomach. "Spirited little one, aren't you." he laughed, tickling the baby's stomach, making him squeal. "My family is going to love him."
"Are you sure?" she asked doubtfully. Shran grinned,
"Absolutely. Don't worry. When I left Lissiel told me to find out when I could bring him down so she could see him. Sen wants to see him too… and I haven't told Sakrana or Sanakral yet." The last part was groaned as he realised his mistake. "They're going to kill me."
"You are in danger?" T'Pol asked, alarmed. Shran raised an eyebrow at her and smiled again,
"We may be fairly brutal to each other but even we're not that bad."
"I see. I apologise, but I remember hearing that Andorian siblings would kill each other over trivial matters. May I assume that is propaganda?"
"You may. Load of redbat dung. We're fiercely devoted to each other, even if we beat the hell out of each other." That didn't seem to be much of a comfort to T'Pol. He put it down to Vulcan beliefs of no violence.
"Perhaps we could go now. If you wish to allow your siblings to see him."
"Are you sure?" He hadn't missed the carefully stated 'we'.
"If you wish, then I have no issue with accompanying you." he grinned at the hidden guard behind her words. She didn't like the idea of her child going anywhere without her. As far as he was concerned that was a good thing. He stood up and held Soval out,
"Do you want to carry him or would you mind if I did?"
"I believe it is best if you carry him down in your city."
"Good idea. It's heading into midmorning now, it'll be fairly busy, there's no school or work this day."
"A holiday?"
"One day a week is work free, allowing the chance to go after activities of one's own choice. 'Nine days of work, one day of fun' is what my father used to say."
"I see."
"You know you might want to let pink-skin know or else he's liable to have a panic-attack when we leave."
"Agreed." T'Pol went over to the comm. and paused before she pressed the button. "Perhaps you should dressed Soval again. I doubt he'll be appreciative of the cold." Shran blushed lightly as he remembered, and quickly lay the baby down.
"Good idea." he muttered, pulling the small trousers back on and then the shirt. Soval squawked his displeasure. "I'm sorry Soval but you don't have a choice in this matter." he told the baby firmly while he heard T'Pol speak to pink-skin. He'd been through this with his nieces and nephews, when they moaned about having to wear clothes. The girls were worse than the boys. The only way to deal with it was to catch them and put the clothes back on, without saying a word. Eventually they got the message.
"That is fine with the captain, although he said that you are to have me back by eleven." T'Pol told him calmly.
"What?"
"I do not understand it either; I can only assume it was a joke."
"An odd one." Shran decided, picking the baby up and settling him so he could rest his head on his shoulder.
"Agreed." she nodded and they left the sickbay. Shran busied himself with admiring Soval's face as the baby looked all around the ship as they walked to the transporter. T'Pol said nothing. Finally, in the turbo lift, Shran asked
"Do you want to get a coat or something?"
"I believe I will be fine. Thank you." This strained politeness was beginning to grate on his nerves, but he said nothing. The door of the lift slid open and Commander Tucker stood there. He started in surprise to see them.
"Hey, Shran, good to see you again." he said cheerfully, after recovering from his shock.
"And you Commander." Shran nodded his head.
"Call me Trip, please."
"Alright Trip. Coming or staying?" Trip blushed as he stepped inside and they stepped around him to get out.
"Where you going?"
"To the planet. Shran's family wishes to meet Soval." T'Pol answered.
"Oh here!" Trip exclaimed, catching the door as it slid shut and pushing it back with his hand, "There's no one at the transporter, let me."
"Thank you." Shran looked between the Vulcan and the human and rolled his eyes. Oh he didn't even need to guess what was going on between these two, he'd seen it all before, more times than he'd care to count. The silence was so uncomfortable that his antennas drooped with it. They reached the transporter mercifully quickly and stepped up onto it.
"Well, have fun." Trip smiled, beginning the energising. Shran was glad to be off the ship, it was too warm sometimes for him to deal with. The cold make Soval shiver slightly, and his eyes flew everywhere, wide and curious. His antennas arched forward curiously and he cocked his head to the side. His hands gripped onto Shran's shirt tighter and he let out a string of babbling. Shran smiled at him and nuzzled lightly against the side of his head. His son was adorable, although he wasn't about to say that out loud in front of T'Pol. It'd probably freak her out.
"Come on, this way."
They were quick to arrive in the city and they walked to his home. The crowds were massive and Thy'lek had to latch onto T'Pol's wrist or else she'd get lost. He was careful not to touch her skin, grabbing her over her uniforms material. He burrowed his way through the crowds, responding to greetings of people he knew, which was most of the city. Andorians were close-knit communities, and kept in close contact with their roots, so most of these people were ones he'd known since he was a child. It took far longer to get to his house during the rush of mid-morning than it had taken him to get out of the city, but they managed to get there within half an hour. He pushed open the door and held it for her as she stepped inside.
"Lissiel! Senkrad! Are you here?"
"AH! In here!" called Senkrad from the training room after a cry of pain. Thy'lek walked over and pushed this door open too. Lissiel and Senkrad were wrestling and Lissiel had Senkrad in a painful lock. "Ah! Alright Lis! Alright I give!" Senkrad exclaimed, and Lissiel released him. He groaned as he stood up and rubbed his shoulders. "I hate when you do that."
"And I love when I do that." she smirked. Thy'lek cleared his throat and acquired their attention. However it was quickly diverted to the baby in his arms. They both beamed radiant smiles.
"Let's see him!" Senkrad exclaimed, hurrying over, Lissiel right behind him. Thy'lek carefully held Soval out and, cradling him in his hands, displayed him to his siblings. They both made sounds of delight. "Hello there, little one." Senkrad said softly, slipping his finger into Soval's hand. Soval brought the finger to his mouth and Senkrad quickly pulled it away before his finger was sucked. Lissiel put a hand on Soval's arm.
"He's so beautiful." she gasped, and then looked up at Thy'lek, "Unlike you. I mean you were quite possibly the ugliest baby I've ever seen."
"Yes, so you've told me a million times before." Thy'lek responded dryly,
"Well I feel the need to reaffirm the fact."
"And you have."
"He doesn't have our eyes." Senkrad noticed, breaking off a potential argument. "His eyes aren't like ours or father's at all."
"No he's got his mother's eyes." Thy'lek turned to T'Pol who seemed uncomfortable. "This is T'Pol. Soval's mother." Senkrad smiled at her warmly,
"It's nice to meet you T'Pol." he told her cordially. Thank the spirits for Senkrad, the only reasonable one in the whole family. Lissiel gave her a brief nod and Thy'lek fought to not roll his eyes, he was doing that far too much today. Trust his sister, she was as bad as him.
"And you." T'Pol responded.
"Come on," Thy'lek said, "let's all sit in the main room." They silently filed out and sat down, Thy'lek and T'Pol on one and Senkrad and Lissiel on the other. His sister draped herself over the couch, legs elegantly curling under her. Senkrad simply flopped onto the couch. Thy'lek sat down carefully, mindful of the baby, and T'Pol sat neatly, with her hands in her lap. Thy'lek set the baby in his lap and leaned back. Soval stuck a finger in his mouth and sucked on it as he stared wide-eyed at his aunt and uncle who both grinned, their antennas curling inwards with glee.
"He's sweet." smiled Senkrad, "He reminds me of you."
"You were three when he was that age, how do you remember?" Lissiel asked scornfully. Thy'lek shook his head,
"I remember plenty from that age. Including the time you deliberately dropped him on his head." Senkrad said smirking,
"I did no such thing." Lissiel denied calmly, inspecting her nails as she spoke.
"Oh please Lissiel, even I know about that and I was the one you did it to and only one when you did it. You held me by the ankles and dropped me, I've still got a small mark on my head from it."
"I did not!" Lissiel exclaimed more forcefully.
"Did too!" Thy'lek returned, prepared to argue with her.
"Let's not make our guest regret coming please." Senkrad quickly said, stepping in. T'Pol was looking at Lissiel very warily now.
"Oh don't worry T'Pol, she only dropped me, she's never injured any of our nieces or nephews, so she won't hurt Soval." Thy'lek reassured her. T'Pol didn't seem comforted.
"Have you told Sak or San yet?" Senkrad asked,
"No, not yet, it slipped my mind." Thy'lek admitted, "I'll call them tonight."
"I cannot wait to see San's reaction. It's going to be brilliant." Senkrad laughed. Thy'lek grinned as he pictured it himself, oh yes, that would be a picture worthy moment. Lissiel chuckled quietly, her lips quirking into a small smile of amusement. "So T'Pol, you're the science officer and first officer of Enterprise?" Senkrad smiled at her pleasantly
"Yes, I am."
"So we can expect Soval to be good at science, with our mother and you both being involved in the subject."
"Perhaps, but whatever he chooses to do would be acceptable, as long as it satisfies him."
"You mean if he decided to join the Imperial Guard you'd be all right with that?" asked Lissiel. Thy'lek felt his antennas tingle with warning, "If he became a military officer, you would be all right with that?" T'Pol flattened her lips and then said
"I would accept it. It would be his choice."
"But you'd rather he choose something more Vulcan, wouldn't you."
"It is not my decision. My duty is to raise him properly and provide for him and to give him as many options as possible."
"Raise him? You mean like a Vulcan." Lissiel's antennas reared back. Senkrad frowned worriedly and shot Thy'lek as look.
"I will teach him Vulcan ideals. Just as your brother will no doubt teach him Andorian ideals." Lissiel and T'Pol stared at each other carefully. Thy'lek swallowed, feeling anger rise up inside him at his sister for ruining such an important event with petty bitterness. The worst was that it was his own fault. Lissiel opened her mouth and Thy'lek reacted. He stood up sharply, and quickly gave Soval to T'Pol.
"Lissiel, a word. Now!" he growled. She looked at him, slow to tear her eyes from T'Pol's, and then stood up. He jerked his head to the kitchen and they walked over and stepped behind the cabinets "What is the matter with you?" he hissed furiously,
"I would think it was fairly obvious. To bring one to our house-"
"Don't even start!" he interrupted, "That is the mother of my son and as such you will treat her with respect, if for no other reason."
"She did not give birth to him. I owe her nothing. She's a Vulcan, or have you become blind to that with all your talking?"
"Believe me I haven't. But I have learned to try and put my feelings for them aside and develop new ones. 'Stale emotions are unpleasant, no matter the original feeling'." he quoted the famous phrase from one of the most renown poems on Andoria. She huffed, folding her arms. "Look Lissiel, I understand I cannot ask you to turn off your feelings. No one can do that." Lissiel opened her mouth, "Not even a Vulcan. But I am asking you to try to be welcoming to her, or at the very least civil! T'Pol is Soval's mother so she's going to be around a good bit, so get used to it." He shouldn't have said that last part. She slapped him sharply across the face, making him spin around and crash into the counter. He whirled around and grabbed her wrist, twisting it viciously, and pulling it behind her. "Be angry with me if you have to. I can take it like I always have. But not a word of cruelty to T'Pol. You hear me!" He jerked her arm when she didn't answer quick enough.
"I understand." she spat, and she pulled her arm free. Glaring at him viciously she stalked out of the house, slamming the door as she went. Soval began to cry out of fright of the loud noise. T'Pol stared at the ground, and Senkrad shook his head. Thy'lek kicked the cupboard nearest to him angrily, and then huffed loudly. He looked at T'Pol, who was rocking Soval, soothing him. His antennas moved from the back of his head, to droop sideways slightly. He couldn't believe it but he felt guilty for upsetting her. It wasn't even his fault! He sighed and then walked over and sat down, resisting the urge to fold his arms tight across his chest, slouch in his seat and scowl like a child. He had to keep his control and decorum, there was no way that he would show her how angry he was. He clasped his hands together and then said stiffly,
"I'm sorry about Lissiel, she's… not fond of Vulcans." He decided not to admit that most of her anger was his fault. His cheek tingled from being struck.
"It is understandable. We've been at war for so long." T'Pol reasoned politely. Thy'lek decided not to correct her. Senkrad shot him a look, obviously knowing what was going on in his head. He always did.
"Would you like a drink T'Pol?" he offered.
"Please." She nodded her head and stopped rocking Soval as he quieted. Senkrad stood up and walked into the kitchen and they could hear him moving around, pulling things out. Thy'lek shifted and then asked
"Is Soval alright?"
"I believe he was merely frightened by the noise. Would you like to hold him again?" Thy'lek smiled and nodded, holding out his hands. T'Pol passed him over and he held the baby close to his chest for a moment. Soval gurgled softly and nuzzled his face into Thy'lek's chest. A warmth spread throughout his body and he grinned. The feeling was like when he was holding his nieces and nephews, or playing with them, only stronger. He hugged the baby gently but tightly. He couldn't even begin to explain how he felt. Happy beyond anything he could remember, still shocked by the whole thing, a tad nervous of how his government was going to react, and worried about whether he'd be a good parent or not. He tried to rationalise that he would be, he was good with children, he knew it, his family knew it, hell they took advantage of it, so he'd be fine. Still the anxiousness didn't quite disappear. Senkrad returned with three glasses of red-purple liquid. Thy'lek perked up at once.
"Here you go." Senkrad handed them each a glass and sipped from his own. T'Pol stared at the drink, perplexed.
"It's Penainan juice T'Pol. Try it! It's good!" Thy'lek drank deeply, half emptying his glass. The slightly sweet taste tingled on his tongue while the sour aftertaste dried the back of his throat. He licked his lips, a slight smile on them. Penainan juice was his favourite drink, even more than Andorian ale, although that was a close, close second. Penainan juice always cheered him up for some reason. Looking at Soval he saw the baby was gazing at the drink hungrily. "I think Soval wants some. I'll just get him a bottle." He stood up and, carrying Soval in one arm, he walked into the kitchen. With one hand he pulled out a bottle and filled it with juice and then put the nozzle on. He popped it into Soval's mouth and the baby sucked greedily, his hands curling around the bottle to ensure it went nowhere. As they returned, Thy'lek noticed T'Pol was staring at the bottle with some confusion. "We often have our nieces and nephews around, and three of them still need bottles."
"I see." she nodded with what may have been approval. Thy'lek felt a little annoyed about that but he decided not to think about why.
"Sooo," Senkrad trailed off, trying to think of something to say. He obviously couldn't think of anything because he didn't speak again. The silence between the three was almost unbearable and Thy'lek busied himself with watching Soval drink the juice. What the hell do you say to a woman who's just dumped a child into your life? What kind of conversations do you have with a Vulcan besides work? That was all he ever really talked about with elder Soval. Oh spirits how would Soval react to this story? Probably with a heart attack if Thy'lek was lucky.
The silence was broken by a rapid knocking on the door, making all three jump.
"Are you expecting someone Sen?" Thy'lek asked, looking at his brother questioningly.
"No." Senkrad stood up and walked over. He opened the door and nearly got trampled by little feet as five children ran through the door. "What the-" Senkrad's question was cut off as he was shoved aside by Sakrana. Her hair was pulled back and twisted up, and she looked anxious. Thy'lek stood up, his stomach jumping. He was tackled by the children as he did. They clung to his legs and waist eagerly,
"Sak! What's-"
"There's a massive problem going on in the department. The shield modifications aren't working as they're supposed to, it's an urgent problem. I need you to take the children."
"What's wrong with Ducheddet, you know, your husband?"
"He's out of the city on business, has been for the last three days. I told you that!"
"Oh right, I forgot."
"Look I'll probably only be gone a few hours, just mind them until then."
"Alright, alright then we will."
"Thank you." she sighed in relief and then noticed T'Pol and Soval. She raised an eyebrow at Soval, "Who's that?"
"This is Soval, my son." Thy'lek told her bluntly. She blinked at him, and then blinked again.
"Whaaat?" she asked, her mouth hanging open slightly. It was very tempting to reach out and close it.
"My son." Thy'lek repeated slowly, "And this is his mother, T'Pol." T'Pol nodded to Sakrana, who was still gapping at Thy'lek.
"It is agreeable to meet you."
"Uh huh." Sakrana said dazedly. Thy'lek was trying will all his will power not to laugh. His sister looked like she'd had a few too many, the way she looked so dazed. "I uh, I'm not sure…" she tried to form a sentence and failed miserably. It was amusing to see the most composed of his siblings so thrown.
"I'll explain later on. Haven't you got to go?"
"Yes, yes, right, I'll uh… talk to you later." Sakrana slowly backed out still looking utterly dazed. Senkrad was fighting to hide his smile as he shut the door, and then he burst out laughing.
"That was brilliant! I've never seen her so shocked before!"
"Uncle Thy'lek?" one of his nephews asked, tugging on his shirt.
"Yes, Mey?"
"Is that really your son?" he asked, pointing at Soval. Thy'lek crouched down so that they could see him better and said
"Yes. He is my son."
"But how? You're not married."
"I know. But I don't think you'd believe me if I told you how this was achieved."
"Is it a good story?"
"A very good one, but maybe later all right?"
"Is she really the mother?" Avena asked, pointing at T'Pol. Thy'lek fought not to laugh at her bluntness.
"Yes, she is. Her name is T'Pol. And this is Soval."
"She's a Vulcan." Thy'lek saw Senkrad scrunch his face lightly at the accusatory tone. Thy'lek smiled lightly at her.
"Yes, she is. Which makes Soval half-Vulcan and half Andorian." Avena pursed her lips in a manner just like Lissiel's.
"I like the Andorian half of him at least." she said finally, before walking away into the room where all the toys and games were kept, her siblings following her, although Erib stayed behind long enough to pat Soval's arm and squeeze Thy'lek's hand in his smaller one. Thy'lek smiled at him caringly and then Erib hurried away. Thy'lek straightened up and shared a smile with Senkrad, then turned to T'Pol,
"Don't mind Avena, she's got a knack for blunt, honest rudeness."
"I've noted that most children do." T'Pol answered, "Your sister did not seem to take the news well."
"Nah, she was just shocked, she'll get over it." Thy'lek said smirking, "When she does, she'll be fine. And Sanakral… well he'll be fine once he stops hyperventilating." Senkrad snickered, covering his mouth with his hand. "I'll call him now and tell him, before he hears about it from someone else. Can Sen hold Soval?" Why did he ask T'Pol? Soval was as much his son as hers.
"Of course." T'Pol nodded and Thy'lek passed Soval to an eager Senkrad who instantly began cooing to him. Thy'lek went into his bedroom after saying,
"I'll be right back."
"But, how, what-"
"San, you're babbling." Thy'lek cut in smiling at his brother.
"You just told me you have a child Thy'lek! I'm entitled to babble!" Sanakral snapped sharply, wide eyed. "How the hell-?"
"I just told you, alternate reality!"
"Have you had a test done to confirm it?"
"Do we have them?"
"Yes to confirm bodies, you idiot! We can use the same technique to confirm that the child's really yours!"
"But-"
"Honestly Thy'lek, how could you accept this without proof? You of all people!"
"I…" Thy'lek trailed off and sighed, "I just… believe them San. I'm sure he's mine! He's got the same birth mark as I do."
"A tailless wumvin?"
"An exact copy!"
"Spirits." Sanakral breathed then shook his head, "We'll need to do a test and then, if the child is yours, then we'll need to figure something out."
"What do you mean?" Thy'lek frowned, hating the way his brother could make him feel completely out of a loop.
"Wake up Thy'lek! What do you think will happen when the Enterprise leaves the system? The child will go with them!"
"What? NO!" Thy'lek cried in alarm, his eyes massive in horror.
"They will if you don't do something!" Sanakral leaned forward so his face was filling the screen, "You'll have to take this to the law!"
"What? But I… do we even have laws dealing with this sort of thing?" Sanakral sighed,
"I'll help you Thy'lek, but you'll have to tread carefully. Request the test first, then… we'll see." Thy'lek swallowed, feeling very upset all of a sudden, the thought of loosing the child he'd only just found actually scared him. He shook his head vigorously,
"I won't let them take my son from me!" he snarled
"And if he is yours I'll help you stop them, but you have to stay calm, you well know things with the Vulcans are still fairly tense and this…" Sanakral sat back, and shrugged, knowing that Thy'lek understood. He then cut the link.
"Well that went well." Thy'lek nearly jumped out of his skin.
"SEN!" he spluttered, "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"Sorry, I did knock." Senkrad apologised, leaning against the shut door. "T'Pol didn't hear I think. She's minding Soval, she insisted on changing him herself, although she had quite a face on her."
"I can imagine." Thy'lek ruffled his hair angrily, "Damnit! Why did San have to ruin everything?"
"He's only speaking logi-" Senkrad halted before he could complete the word at Thy'lek's warning glare. "He's only being reasonable." he amended. "This would have come up eventually. The sooner the better I'd say. It'll probably be easier in the long run." Thy'lek scowled deeply and crossed his arms, bowing his head. He felt Senkrad touch his upper arm and then reach out to loosen his arms, setting them down at his side. This odd little action was something his brother had always done and it had always helped him calm. He drew in a deep breath and then closed his eyes, feeling his brother hug him tightly, his hand clapping his back lightly. He sighed heavily and hugged him back, gripping back tight, resting his forehead on Senkrad's shoulder for a moment, taking in deep breaths to sooth the sudden wave of heaviness that crashed upon him. "You'll be alright baby brother. I know you will."
"I'm tired Sen." he murmured softly, "I'm so tired."
"I know. You'll be alright. I promise. I'll make sure of it." Thy'lek shifted, and rested the side of his head on his brother's shoulder, feeling safe for a moment. Senkrad rubbed his back lightly and then they pulled apart. Thy'lek drew in a deep breath and then his shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Alright. Let's get back out there before Avena decides to start playing with one of our Ushaan-tor, and then decides to try it out on T'Pol."
"Yes, that might not go well." Senkrad nodded, and they walked out to the main room. T'Pol came back out of the playroom where they kept all the things for changing the children, Soval in her arms, letting out a noise of pleasure, no doubt at being clean again.
"Did your brother accept the news?" she asked as she came to a stop beside him.
"He… well he said I should have a test done to confirm paternity, and I've agreed."
"I thought you believed us."
"I do, but Sanakral doesn't, this is really for his peace of mind."
"I see." she nodded, then looked towards the playroom where the children were laughing and playing. "I believe Soval and I should return to Enterprise, he is tired, and I have work to complete." At once Thy'lek felt his stomach jump. She was taking his son away! No, no, she wasn't going to leave orbit, she was just going back to the Enterprise. He forced himself to stay calm, but his brother's words rang in his head. He swallowed hard, and nodded
"Alright. I'll, I'll contact our family doctor to run the test, but it might be a day or two. Dr. Asiles is a very busy man, and I'd rather he do the test."
"Of course." she nodded. Thy'lek looked at her and then at Soval hopefully. She must have understood what he was asking her because she passed him to Thy'lek. Soval looked up at him curiously and then reached out with a drool covered hand, trying to touch his face. Thy'lek smiled lovingly down at him, and held him close for a moment, taking in the baby's scent, before reluctantly, painfully, he passed him back to T'Pol, fighting the urge to snatch him back and hold him to him and never let him go. She settled him and then bid them goodbye. Senkrad shut the door behind her as Thy'lek felt like his feet were stuck to the floor. He bit his lip painfully, fighting the impulse, the instinct to run after her and take Soval back. He would see him tomorrow! That wasn't very far away. Yet counting the hours, the minutes ahead, and to Thy'lek it felt like he had to wait an eternity. Senkrad gave him a worried look and stayed in front of the door, blocking his way, as if reading his mind.
"It will be alright baby brother, I promise you." he said softly. Thy'lek looked at him and nodded stiffly, his jaw tight. Suddenly he felt a small hand tug on his trousers. He looked down and smiled at Erib.
"What is it Erib?"
"Uncle Thy'lek, will you play with us?" Thy'lek stared at him for a moment, just looking him over and then he grinned and swooped down, scooping the boy up.
"Sure, what do you want to play? Tie Uncle Senkrad up and make him eat Kaiel flowers?" Senkrad made a strangled noise behind him as Erib giggled.
"We want to play a fantasy game!" he said still giggling, "We want to play make believe."
"Oh really? Well then lets see what we can come up with." Thy'lek said as he walked into the playroom, leaving his worries at the door. "Coming Sen?"
"Sure. But I'm not playing the hapless emperor in need of saving again!"
"Aw, but you're so good at it!" Thy'lek whined as he knelt among the children, setting Erib in his lap. His brother grinned as he followed him inside the playroom, shutting the door behind him. "So what do you want to be?"
"I'm a Guardsman!" exclaimed Avena, brandishing her Ushaan-tor eagerly, nearly catching her brother who leapt out of her way at the last second.
"I'm an Iehista!" Erib cried, throwing his arms out and flapping them, as if they were wings. The other children exclaimed what they were.
"What about you Uncle Thy'lek?" Thy'lek arched an eyebrow in thought and then grinned,
"I'm a zabanthu that's lost its rider!" he cackled, going down on hands and knees and snorting comically, rubbing the top of his head into Mey's chest making him squeal in delight. "I need someone to get on my back before I run away!" he scrambled away from the group, heading for the door, but the children pounced on him and he felt two of them climb onto his back and grip his shirt. He pretended to not like this and began bucking around, letting out convincing snorts. Senkrad was gripping his sides as he howled with laughter. Thy'lek grinned wickedly as he tackled his brother sharply and began tickling him mercilessly. Senkrad squawked and writhed madly,
"Stop Thy'lek! Stop please!"
"Nuh uh big brother! I'm afraid I can't do that. My new masters forbid it." The two children that were still on his back giggled and he felt one dig their heels into his sides.
"Keep it up Uncle Thy'lek! Keep tickling him!" Ah, Erib was on his back, he realised as he watched his brother's face darken, getting deeper and deeper as he gasped for air, breathless from laughing. He could hear the other children crying encouragement, and then Avena leaped forward helping him, until poor Senkrad was blood blue. Thy'lek knew then that was enough. "Alright, let him up. He's suffered enough." He pulled away from his brother and crawled away, until he felt Senkrad grab his ankle and he slipped, landing on his chest. Erib and the other child on his back made exclamations of protest and then abruptly fell silent. Warningly silent. Then the giggles started, and Thy'lek looked over his shoulder to see Senkrad grinning like a skull, which was a very alarming look on his normally relatively mild and gentle brother.
"I'm going to punish you for that baby brother." he said evilly and then he pulled at Thy'lek's boot.
"NO!" Thy'lek exclaimed, trying to reclaim his foot. He was unsuccessful.
I just had to have a sweet moment, I just had to, lol. Sorry if Shran seems OOC, but I can just see him acting this way with his family.
As for reviews, please see above Author Note.
Night's Darkness